What Happened This Year 1855

Born in 1855

Milan I of Serbia

King of Serbia, established monarchy
Born
August 22nd, 1854 170 years ago
Died
February 11th, 1901 124 years ago — 46 years old

Became the first King of Serbia in 1882 after serving as Prince. Led Serbia during the Serbian-Turkish War and expanded territories, achieving significant victories. His reign was marked by modernization and centralization of the state. Abdicated in 1889 amid political challenges and personal conflicts. Lived in exile until his death in 1901.

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Hubert Bland

English businessman and founder of the A.B.C.
Born
January 3rd, 1855 170 years ago
Died
April 14th, 1914 110 years ago — 59 years old

Established the A.B.C. (Associated British Cinemas), which became a significant cinema chain in the United Kingdom. Contributed to the growth of cinema during the early 20th century. Engaged in various other business ventures, promoting cinema as a prominent entertainment medium. Played a crucial role in the film industry development during its formative years.

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King Camp Gillette

Businessman and founder of Gillette
Born
January 5th, 1855 170 years ago
Died
July 9th, 1932 92 years ago — 77 years old

Born in 1855, established the Gillette razor company in 1901, revolutionizing personal grooming with safety razors. Introduced the concept of razor blade cartridges, changing the industry standard and market dynamics. The affordability and convenience of the product made shaving accessible to a broader audience, leading to widespread adoption. Expanded the brand significantly, making it a household name in the United States and globally.

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Jacques Damala

Soldier and actor in French cinema
Born
January 15th, 1855 170 years ago
Died
1889 136 years ago — 34 years old

Born in Greece in 1855, a soldier served in the French Army and later transitioned to a career in acting. Achievements included performances in early French films, contributing to the evolution of cinema during the late 19th century. Exhibited talent in various roles that reflected the theatrical styles of the era. Engaged with the Parisian art community, forging connections that influenced his artistic endeavors.

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Ernest Chausson

French composer of classical music
Born
January 20th, 1855 170 years ago
Died
June 10th, 1899 125 years ago — 44 years old

Chausson studied at the Paris Conservatory under prominent teachers, including Jules Massenet. His compositions, characterized by rich harmonies and lyrical melodies, contributed significantly to French music in the late 19th century. Major works include the opera 'Le Roi Arthus' and the orchestral piece 'Poème'. His style reflects a blend of impressionistic and late Romantic influences, often incorporating poetic themes. Chausson's life was cut short by a tragic accident at the age of 44, but his music continues to be performed and celebrated.

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Princess Maria Luisa of Bourbon-Two Sicilies

Royalty and member of the Bourbon dynasty
Born
January 21st, 1855 170 years ago
Died
1874 151 years ago — 19 years old

Born in 1855, the individual belonged to the Bourbon-Two Sicilies dynasty. As the youngest daughter of King Ferdinand II, spent early life within the royal court. After the unification of Italy, the royal family faced political changes, leading to various relocations. The individual played a role in the Bourbon family's efforts to maintain their heritage and connections in Europe. In later years, the individual engaged in charity and social work, aligning with many royal family traditions in philanthropy. Died in 1874.

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John Browning

Weapons designer, founded Browning Arms
Born
January 23rd, 1855 170 years ago
Died
November 26th, 1926 98 years ago — 71 years old

An American weapons designer contributed significantly to the development of firearms in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Founded the Browning Arms Company, which became known for producing a range of innovative firearms. Developed iconic weapons such as the M1911 pistol and the Browning Automatic Rifle. His designs have been influential in military and civilian firearm applications.

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William Seward Burroughs I

American businessman and inventor of adding machine
Born
January 28th, 1855 170 years ago
Died
September 14th, 1898 126 years ago — 43 years old

An American businessman, founded the Burroughs Corporation, which became a major manufacturer of adding machines and other business equipment. Burroughs developed an early form of the adding machine and patented many innovations related to mechanical calculations. His invention contributed significantly to the automation of financial calculations in business settings. The Burroughs Corporation grew to become a large company in the field of office equipment, eventually merging with Sperry Corporation in 1986 to form Unisys.

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Ellen Day Hale

American painter and author
Born
February 11th, 1855 170 years ago
Died
February 11th, 1940 85 years ago — 85 years old

Born in 1855, this individual was a prominent American painter and author whose works often incorporated themes of nature and femininity. Studied under various esteemed artists and exhibited widely across the United States, including at the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts. Also contributed to literature through writings that detailed artistic life and practices. She was part of the artistic community in Boston and later settled in New York, where involvement in the Women's Suffrage Movement also characterized her later years.

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